ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The alarming rate of teenage pregnancies among South Africans became a driving force for
the researcher to investigate this particular phenomenon. The goal of this study was to
explore and describe the experiences of pregnant teenagers about their pregnancy. Guided
by the research question “ What are the experiences of pregnant teenagers about their
pregnancy?” a scientific investigation was undertaken. The objectives set for the study were
to determine their experience of their current pregnancy; to determine their knowledge of
contraceptives; and to explore their experience regarding the services delivered by the
health care workers.
A phenomenological descriptive design with a qualitative approach was the most suitable
scientific method to describe the experiences of pregnant teenagers who attend an antenatal
clinic in Chatsworth, Kwazulu Natal. An interview guide or protocol that includes a list of
open-ended questions based on the objectives, the literature review, and the professional
experience of the researcher was designed and used to explore during each interview. The
final sample consisted of ten participants.
Experts in the field of nursing and research methodology were consulted to determine the
feasibility and content of the study, to evaluate the research process and outcome. The
researcher collected the data personally. Data was collected by means of individual
interviews. The researcher did the transcription of the interviews. Ethical approval was
obtained from Stellenbosch University and the relevant health authorities. Informed written
consent was obtained from the participants. Parental permission was obtained for
participants under the age of 18 years. Participants younger than 18 years of age also
completed an assent form.
Data that emerged from the data analysis was coded and categorised into sub-themes and
themes. The researcher compiled a written account of the interpretations that emerged from
the data analysis. In addition, member checking was done with each participant after
individual interviews, to validate the transcribed data. The conceptual framework for this study was adapted from Maslow (1968). The findings
suggest that there is a need for parental intervention as far as teenage pregnancy is
concerned, financial difficulties associated with poverty was identified as one of the major
contributing factor to teenage pregnancy, and attitudes of providers of contraceptives led to
teenagers, not using contraceptives in some cases. It is recommended that services at the clinic be improved; health care workers undergo extensive training and education regarding
teenage health and sexuality needs. Furthermore review and revitalisation of education
programs at schools, to meet the needs of teenagers, which are constantly changing
according to the times, are recommended. The involvement of parents and the community in
combating issues surrounding teenage pregnancy is vital. Further research is recommended
to find solutions to alleviate this problem of teenage pregnancy. All stakeholders need to
work together to remedy this social problem as it is not an issue that can be dealt with in
isolation.